Staying on Brilinta Tx Improves CV Outcomes, Study Finds

Staying on Brilinta Tx Improves CV Outcomes, Study Finds

AstraZeneca announced results of a sub-analysis of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 study, which evaluated reasons and rates for discontinuation of Brilinta (ticagrelor) in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI), and the efficacy in those patients who stayed on therapy. Findings were presented at the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida.

Results from the pooled analysis of PEGASUS-TIMI 54 showed that in patients who stayed on therapy, Brilinta reduced the rate of the composite efficacy endpoint of CV death, MI, or stroke at 3 years (HR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.88), consistent with the results from PEGASUS study. Discontinuing Brilinta due to an Adverse Event (AE) was 8.9% in the placebo arm, 19% and 16.4% in the Brilinta 90mg and 60mg arms, respectively. The most frequent AEs causing discontinuation were bleeding and dyspnea. Rates of AEs leading to discontinuation were highest in the first year at 16% in the 90mg arm, 13% in the 60mg arm, and 6% in the placebo arm. Discontinuation rates over the subsequent 2 years in patients who stayed on therapy were 6.5% in the 90mg arm, 6% in the 60mg arm, and 4.6% in the placebo arm.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new 60mg dosage strength for Brilinta to be used in patients with a history of MI beyond the first year. With this expanded indication, Brilinta is now indicated to reduce the rate of CV death, MI, and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of MI.